Conceived in the 1710s as part of the layout for the Cavendish–Harley area, Queen Anne Street, townhouses were fully built by 1770.

Howard de Walden Estate wanted to regenerate numbers 47-53, which were almost derelict in this historic heart of London. Their brief was to maintain the traditional town house look to the front façade but to encompass exciting 21,000 sq ft grade A offices with residential apartments suitable for the 21^st century.

Modernisation of a central London town house to house offices and apartments turned out to be a real challenge for both architects and contractors. This was due to fine detailing of the window installation and co-ordination with the various walling structures.

Arkoni were contracted to install curtain walling and light wells to the rear façade. A mixture of Schuco Jansen products were specified for their high thermal properties and steel elegance, enhanced with a mixture of solar controlled glazed units, and solar powered (photovoltaic) units.

To the rear elevation, a really interesting large solar powered cantilevered bay feature window was manufactured in one piece by Arkoni and was craned into position from a very narrow street to the rear. This cantilevered bay feature looked like it was just hanging from the wall creating an interesting talking point.

To create a feeling of space and freedom, light wells were built into the rear apartment block allowing natural light to the rear of city centre apartments. These were created using thermally broken window and door sets fitted by Arkoni.

The final effect was a stunning blend of old and new delivered on time and in budget.